Let’s see how Arsenal performed vs Rapid Vienna in the Europa League Group B fixture. We have the Player Ratings.
Arsenal displayed a classic comeback performance in Austria following their victory against Rapid Vienna. Subsequently, the Gunners beat the latter 2-1 in the Europa League opening fixture.
Although, this win came with hard efforts and struggle for the Premier League side. Consequently, Rapid Vienna showcased incredible defending abilities in the first half to keep Arsenal away from goal.
Nevertheless, the new signing Thomas Partey made his debut for the club. However, the former Atletico Madrid man could not break the hosts’ backline.
Whereas, even with the constant provision of threat from Rapid Vienna, the game remained goalless at halftime.
Though, right after five minutes in the second half, the underdogs stunned Arsenal. Goalkeeper Bernd Leno’s poor pass gifted striker Taxiarchis Fountas the golden opportunity to take the lead. He gladly slotted the ball into the empty net.
Nonetheless, Mikel Arteta brought in two valuable substitutions moments later to bring the game back to life.
Evidently, Nicolas Pepe’s free-kick met David Luiz’s leaping header for the equalizer for Arsenal.
In the 74th minute, substitutes proved their presence on the field for the Gunners. Hector Bellerin’s sublime run and square-pass was slotted in by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Now, Arsenal goes on top of the Group B table to begin the most anticipated campaign.
Player ratings
Rapid Vienna: Strebinger (4), Stojkovic (6), Hofmann (6), Barac (5), Arase (4), Ullmann (5), Ljubicic (5), Grahovac (4), Ritzmaier (7), Kara (4), Fountas (7).
Bench: Schick (4), Knasmullner (6), Kitagawa (6).
Arsenal: Leno (6), Luiz (8), Gabriel (7), Kolasinac (6), Soares (7), Elneny (7), Partey (7), Saka (4), Pepe (4), Nketiah (5), Lacazette (4).
Bench: Tierney (6), Bellerin (6), Aubameyang (7), Nelson (6), Willock (5).
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